JOB DOCUMENTATION

Assistant Curator Official and Private Records
Position Number: / TBA / National Collection Branch
Classification: / BB3 / Research Centre Section

The Official and Private Records team develops, controls, cares for and communicates the Official and Private Records of the Australian War Memorial, both in paper and digital form. These are the records that are made by Australia’s servicemen and women in the course of their service, and their private communications, such as diaries, letters and emails connected to their service and those made by their families. As such they are crucial to the Memorial's purpose, which is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war, and to its mission to assist Australians to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society. The team is a repository of expertise on these collections, exciting the public’s interest in them by initiating and delivering powerful public programs and supporting the research and exhibition-making activities of other sections of the Memorial. In addition, through the Honour Rolls team, Official and Private Records maintains the Roll of Honour, the Commemorative Roll and the supporting databases and records that are at the heart of the Memorial.

Job Description

Reporting to the Senior Curator, Official and Private Records, the Assistant Curator, Official and Private Records supports the activities of the Official and Private Records team. Duties include curatorial research, writing and producing online content in support of public programs, and contributing to the research, administrative and collection management activities of the Official and Private Records team.

This is a part-time position of ten hours per week, for a period of seven months.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct research into the National Collection in support of exhibitions and public programs
  • Write and produce online content in support of public programs
  • Provide support as necessary, for other priorities identified for the Official and Private Records team
  • Manually handle and move collection materials including but not limited to boxes and files as required

Selection Criteria

  1. A demonstrated ability to conduct high level research
  2. Excellent written communications skills, with the ability to write for diverse audiences and in a variety of contexts, ranging from formal business to social media platforms
  3. Ability to cultivate productive working relationships and communicate effectively
  4. Experience in curatorial contexts such as collection management, exhibitions and/or and public programs is highly desirable
  5. Relevant professional qualifications are required for this role

Capabilities

Supports strategic direction / Achieves
results / Supports productive working relationships / Displays personal drive and integrity / Communicates with influence
Supports shared purpose and direction
Understands, supports and promotes the organisation's vision, mission, and business objectives. Identifies the relationship between organisational goals and operational tasks. Clearly communicates goals and objectives to others. Understands, supports and communicates the reasons for decisions and recommendations.
Thinks strategically
Understands the work environment and initiates and develops team goals, strategies and work plans. Identifies broader factors, trends and influences that may impact on the team’s work objectives. Considers the ramifications of issues and longer-term impact of own work and work area.
Harnesses information and opportunities
Gathers and investigates information from diverse sources and explores new ideas and different viewpoints. Uses experience to analyse what information is important and how it should be used. Maintains an awareness of the organisation and keeps self and others well informed on work issues and finds out about best practice approaches.
Shows judgement, intelligence and common-sense
Undertakes objective, systematic analysis and draws accurate conclusions based on evidence. Recognises the links between interconnected issues. Identifies problems and works to resolve them. Thinks laterally, identifies, implements and promotes improved work practices. / Identifies and uses resources wisely
Reviews project performance and identifies opportunities for improvement. Makes effective use of individual and team capabilities and negotiates responsibility for work outcomes. Is responsive to changes in requirements.
Applies and builds professional expertise
Values specialist expertise and capitalises on the knowledge and skills of others within the organisation. Contributes own expertise to achieve outcomes for the business unit.
Responds positively to change
Establishes clear plans and timeframes for project implementation. Responds in a positive and flexible manner to change and uncertainty. Shares information with others and assists them to adapt.
Takes responsibility for managing work projects to achieve results
Sees projects through to completion. Monitors project progress and adjusts plans as required. Commits to achieving quality outcomes and adheres to documentation procedures. Seeks feedback from supervisor to gauge satisfaction. / Nurtures internal and external relationships
Builds and sustains positive relationships with team members, stakeholders and clients. Proactively offers assistance for a mutually beneficial relationship. Anticipates and is responsive to client and stakeholder needs and expectations.
Listens to, understands and recognises the needs of others
Actively listens to staff, colleagues, clients and stakeholders. Involves others and recognises their contributions. Consults and shares information and ensures others are kept informed of issues. Works collaboratively and operates as an effective team member.
Values individual differences and diversity
Recognises the positive benefits that can be gained from diversity. Encourages the exploration of diverse views and harnesses the benefits of such views. Recognises the different working styles of individuals, and factors this into the management of people and tasks. Tries to see things from different perspectives. Treats people with respect and courtesy.
Shares learning and supports others
Identifies learning opportunities for others and delegates tasks effectively. Agrees clear performance standards and gives timely praise and recognition. Makes time for people and offers full support when required. Provides constructive and regular feedback. Deals with under-performance promptly. / Demonstrates public service professionalism and probity
Adopts a principled approach and adheres to the APS Values and Code of Conduct. Acts professionally at all times and operates within the boundaries of organisational processes and legal and public policy constraints. Operates as an effective representative of the organisation in internal forums.
Engages with risk and shows personal courage
Provides impartial and forthright advice. Challenges issues constructivelyand justifies own position when challenged. Acknowledges mistakes and learns from them, and seeks guidance and advice when required.
Commits to action
Takes personal responsibility for meeting objectives and progressing work. Shows initiative and does what is required. Commits energy and drive to see that goals are achieved.
Promotes and adopts a positive and balanced approach to work
Persists with, and focuses on achieving, objectives even in difficult circumstances. Remains positive and responds to pressure in a calm manner.
Demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to personal development
Self-evaluates performance and seeks feedback from others. Communicates areas of strengths and acknowledges development needs. Reflects on own behaviour and recognises the impact on others. Shows commitment to learning and self-development. / Communicates clearly
Confidently presents messages in a clear, concise and articulate manner. Focuses on key points and uses appropriate, unambiguous language. Selects the most appropriate medium for conveying information and structures written and oral communication to ensure clarity.
Listens, understands and adapts to audience
Seeks to understand the audience and tailors communication style and message accordingly. Listens carefully to others and checks to ensure their views have been understood. Checks own understanding of others’ comments and does not allow misunderstandings to linger.
Negotiates confidently
Approaches negotiations with a clear understanding of key issues. Understands the desired outcomes. Anticipates and identifies relevant stakeholders’ expectations and concerns. Discusses issues credibly and thoughtfully and presents persuasive counter-arguments. Encourages the support of relevant stakeholders.

17 January 2017